Image Contrast Flashcards
define image contrast
the degree of difference between the light and dark areas of a radiograph
What makes the blacks, whites, and grays on a radiograph?
differential absorption
subject contrast
component of image contrast determined by size, shape, and x-ray attenuating characteristics of the subject
define differential absorption
the difference between photons absorbed and those that penetrate the body
different body structures absorb x-ray photons to ____________ extents
different
bones are denser and ________ more x-ray photons than those filled with air such as lungs
absorb
attenuation
removal of any photons from the primary beam before striking the IR
attenuation is the reduction of:
the intensity of an x-ray beam
causes of attenuation:
differential absorption
scatter
absorption
x-ray photons that are attenuated by the body and do not reach the IR
transmission
x-ray photons that pass through the body and reach the IR
What terms describe the beam entering the patient?
primary
useful
entrance
primary beam
x-ray beam as it is upon exiting collimator and exposing patient
What terms describe the beam leaving the patient?
remnant
exit
remnant beam
x-ray beam that remains after interaction with patient when exiting the patient to the IR
the remnant beam is composed of what?
transmitted and scattered photons
radiopaque
body structures that absorb x-ray photons
(bones)
radiolucent
less dense body structures that have a lower probability of absorption
(air filled lungs)
photons absorbed show up as _______ on a radiograph
white
photons that pass through body and reach IR show up as _______ on a radiograph
black
technical term for absorption within the patient
Photoelectric Effect
denser tissue _________ the probability of photons being absorbed
increases
structures filled with air __________ the probability of absorption
decreases
what causes the shades of gray?
photons that aren’t completely absorbed or transmitted
high contrast:
large differences in brightness
high contrast images have mostly:
areas of black and white
only few shades of gray
a high contrast image is also referred as:
short-gray scale
short gray scale contrast
mostly black and white, few shades of gray
low contrast:
small differences in brightness
low contrast images have mostly:
areas of gray
only few areas of black and white